Thomas aluminum swivel-top

ABSTRACT

The idea behind this invention is the ability to “re-seal” an opened beverage can. The manner in which this will be accomplished is by tightly fitting a piece of aluminum between the base of the top of the beverage container and the tab of the beverage container. The piece of aluminum will swivel with the tab 180 degrees to temporarily close the can.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention deals solely with the aluminum cans used in the distribution of beverages.

Various inefficiencies with present aluminum cans include “flattening” or loss of freshness after opening a can. Another correctable problem is the unavoidable spilling of an unattended open aluminum can.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The general idea of this invention is a tight fitting piece of aluminum placed between the base of the top of the can and the tab. This device will swivel to “re-seal” the previously opened can.

The ability to “re-seal” an opened can reduces the occurrence of “flattening” by disallowing carbonation to escape through the opening at the mouth of the can. There will also be a dramatic reduction in the amount of beverage spilled, even if the can becomes overturned the beverage will not be able to leak out.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a simple sketch of the top view in the open position. Part 1A is referring to the invention in discussion, this is the only piece that will be added to the already existing beverage can top. Part 1B represents the beverage can tab. 1C is pointing out the small groove that is found on the inner circumference of the beverage can top. The letter, number combination 1D refers to the swivel that attaches the existing tab and will also attach the invention to the existing beverage can top. 1E represents the mouth or opening of the beverage can.

FIG. 2 shows the alternate or closed position of FIG. 1 All parts are represented by the same letter, number combinations with the absence of 1E (the mouth) because it has been covered by the invention in discussion.

FIG. 3 on page 2 shows the exploded side view of the beverage container top. 3A represents the beverage can tab. The tab sits on top of the invention in discussion, represented by 3B. 3C is the swivel that connects both 3A and 3B together. 3D represents the area taken up by the mouth of the can. Finally 3E shows the entire area of the base of the beverage can top.

FIG. 4 shows the side view with all of the parts put together. All parts and areas are represented identically as in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 shows a three dimensional exploded side view. 5A shows the tab before it has been placed on top of 5B, which is the “Thomas Aluminum Swivel-Top.” 5C shows the swivel that connects both the tab and invention to the base of the top of the can. 5D is the opening or mouth of the can. 5E shows the body of the beverage container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention itself consists of a tightly fitted piece of aluminum that swivels consistently with the original beverage can tab. The piece of aluminum will be attached using the same swivel that attaches the tab to the base of the top of the can. By using the same swivel, both the tab and the invention in discussion will turn as one piece. When the can needs to be closed or “re-sealed” the tab will be turned 180 degrees also turning the “Thomas Aluminum Swivel-Top,” to create a temporarily closed can.

The only change in producing aluminum beverage containers that results from this invention is simply placing a previously cut piece of aluminum between the tab and base of the top of the can before the tab is stamped on. 

1. What I claim as my invention is the tightly fitted piece of aluminum that swivels simultaneously with the already existing tab to “re-seal” a previously opened aluminum beverage container. 